Systems and Methods for Identifying a Contra-ictal Condition in a Subject

Abstract

The invention provides a method of monitoring a subject's neurological condition. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of analyzing a physiological signal (such as an EEG) from a subject to determine if the subject is in a contra-ictal condition; and if the subject is in a contra-ictal condition, providing an indication (e.g., to the subject and/or to a caregiver) that the subject is in the contra-ictal condition, such as by activating a green light or other visible output. In some embodiments, if the subject is in a pro-ictal condition, the method includes the step of providing an indication (such as a red light) that the subject is in the pro-ictal condition. The invention also provides neurological system monitors.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 897,549, filed Jan. 25, 2007, to Snyder et al., entitled “Systems and Methods for Identifying a Contra-ictal Condition in a Subject,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for monitoring a subject's neurological condition. More specifically, the present invention is related to methods and systems for monitoring a subject who has epilepsy and determining if the subject is in a contra-ictal condition in which the subject is at low susceptibility for a seizure and is unlikely to transition into a pre-seizure condition within a computed or predetermined time period.[0003]Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by chronic, recurring seizures. Seizures are a result of uncontrolled discharges of electrical activity in th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]Prior art seizure detection and warning systems focused only on the identification of ictal or pro-ictal physiological data from the patient. See, e.g., Litt U.S. Pat. No. 6,658,287. While being able to determine that the subject is in a “pro-ictal” condition is highly desirable, identifying when the subject has entered or is likely to enter a pro-ictal condition is only part of the solution for these subjects. An equally important aspect of any seizure advisory system is the ability to be able to inform the subject when they are unlikely to have a seizure for a predetermined period of time (e.g., low susceptibility or “contra-ictal”). Simply knowing that the subject is not pro-ictal does not provide the subject with the assurance that they will not quickly transition into a pro-ictal or ictal condition. Knowing that they are in a contra-ictal state can allow the subject to engage in normal daily activities, such as driving a car, or walking down a set of stairs, without fearing that they will have a seizure. Knowing when a seizure is unlikely to occur can be even more important for the subject's sense of freedom than being alerted when a seizure it likely to occur.

Problems solved by technology

Simply knowing that the subject is not pro-ictal does not provide the subject with the assurance that they will not quickly transition into a pro-ictal or ictal condition.

Furthermore, for one reason or another, it may not be possible to accurately predict the seizures in a portion of the subject population.

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